HASH TOTAL. (ANSI) The result obtained by applying an algorithm to a set of data for checking purposes, e.g., a summation obtained by treating data items as numbers.

HEURISTIC METHOD. (ANSI) A method of solving problems that consists of a sequence of trials yielding approximate results, with control of the progression toward an acceptable final result; e.g. the method of successive approximations.

HIERARCHICAL MODEL. (1) (ANSI) A data model whose pattern of organization has the form of a tree structure. (2) (ANSI) A data model that provides a tree structure for relating data elements, where each node of the tree corresponds to a group of data elements or a record type, and may have only one superior node.

HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGE. (ANSI/ISO) A programming language that does not reflect the structure of any one given computer or that of any given class of computers. High level languages are primarily designed for, and are syntactically oriented to, particular classes of problems.